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From the Toronto Star and other sources this morning, they have this headline: "New Zealand considers $100-a-pack cigarettes to curb smoking" with these highlights: "New Zealandís government is considering $100-a-pack cigarettes as part of its tough program to stamp out smoking by 2025. The idea of charging $5 a cigarette is the most radical of several ideas floated in a Ministry of Health discussion paper. 'Whatever it takes' is the reaction to the idea from New Zealandís associate health minister Tariana Turia. Prime Minister John Key was more skeptical, saying he feared the consequences in black market sales of cigarettes. The New Zealand government cabinet has agreed in principle to follow Australiaís lead and package all cigarettes in boxes that are essentially health warnings rather than brand names. New Zealand and Australia have a level of public support and political engagement to be in the vanguard of tobacco control."

Personally, I've never been a smoker, nor a fan of this "habit". This is an interesting development and push for New Zealand. When we visit there during our Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland cruise on the Solstice, it will be interesting to see where and how this issue evolves/moves.

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 74,533 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at: http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/s....php?t=1426474